Gaobot.ONQ

It spreads and affects other computers.
It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy.
It uses the infected computer to take malicious actions on other users.
It carries out actions that decrease the security level of the computer.
It downloads files from several websites.
It spreads
by exploiting vulnerabilities, across the Internet, via IRC, via mapped drives, through shared network resources.

Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:

Nov. 4, 2006

Detection updated on:

Feb. 5, 2007

Statistics

No

Proactive protection:

Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description

Gaobot.ONQ is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files.

It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy:
passwords saved by certain Windows services; keystrokes, in order to obtain information for accessing online banking services, passwords and other confidential information.

It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out:

In the affected computer:
it converts the computer into a platform for taking malicious action surreptitiously: spam sending, launch of Denial of Service attacks, malware distribution, etc.

It reduces the security level of the computer:
it notifies the attacker that the computer has been compromised and is ready to be used maliciously; it awaits remote-control orders received through
IRC or FTP; it changes system permissions, decreasing the security level.

Gaobot.ONQ accesses several websites to download files, which it then runs. These can be any type of file, although they are normally malware.

Gaobot.ONQ uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.

Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.

IRC: It sends a copy of itself to all users connected to the channel to which the infected user is connected.